coping with failing the NCLEX

jrsimon82 · Jul 4, 2006

I'm so sorry! you must be in a lot of pain right now. I would use this opporitunity to take step back and refocus. Would it be possible for you to take a part-time job and go to school for a semester or two until you can retake the exam? Can you work as an lpn or CNA? what about working as a home health aide? If it's your dream, don't give up, just keep your chin up and use this time to gain more experience and knowledge. Try to be optimistic and learn from this,keep studying, good luck

LoriAlabamaRN · Jul 4, 2006

Take a deep breath. Many people have failed their first time taking this test, and then gone on to become extremely successful nurses. Don't be afraid to let your friends know, they will not think anything less of you and can help you through this troubling time. Take time to feel bad, watch old movies with popcorn, eat ice cream, feel sorry for yourself for a day or two. Then pull yourself together and begin the preparations for the next try. Use Suzanne's program, she has a 100% retake pass rate I believe. You are goign to do just fine, and you will appreciate your license even more for the extra pains you have taken to get it.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jul 4, 2006

Hang in there, Buddhanah!

I would use your score report to assess your strengths and weaknesses so that you can study accordingly. Check out the NCLEX Discussion Forum here for more helpful tips.

DSplendid · Jul 4, 2006

Buddhanah....

Picking up the pieces after a such a dissapointment; is always the hardest part. Every single emotion you feel is not only normal its expected. The pain your feeling right now must be horrific; but this too will pass. For now, take time for your self; your entitled to it. But then you must get back up. Start with a plan, decided what and how you want to handle this..do you want to take a review course, do you want to use suz's plan. If there is another student in your same boat, think about if you might want to get together. Focus on the positive, (although hard right now) , that even though this is a set back, your not out of the game. As far as telling your friends, I can understand why you wouldn't want to. But know this, there is no shame in failing, the shame comes from being knocked down; and staying down. I don't know you, but I can bet you have had a few let downs and hardships before this; and you have always over come them. Don't let this be any different. You made it through Nursing school, now just go and show that damn computer why! Keep your head up, make a plan, come back here often for support, and then do it! I'm sending you positive vibes and prayers your way....and a great big hug! ~D

cheryld1959 · Jul 5, 2006

I know exactly how you feel. I took the NCLEX 10 days ago and failed too. First I felt the humiliation of failing and having to tell everyone when they asked how I did. Which, by the way, was nothing but hugs and encouragement, and stories of friends and co-workers who didn't pass the first time. Now I feel scared, and have lost all my confidence. Which if you knew me would surprise you. I wanted to get some tips etc about how I could get rid of these feelings, and that I why I have been reading these forums for the last few nights. But I just saw I PASSED, etc, which made me feel worse. Thank you for having the courage to write. This is my first reply. I feel better. I hope you do too. My hospital has kept me on in the same position - Nurse Tech. Yours will probably do the same - they have a lot invested, and want you! Keep your chin up. I am trying to do the same. Good Luck.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Jul 5, 2006

My heart goes out to both of you.

~faith,

Timothy.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2006

I think you hit the nail on the head: "more stress, more money, more emotions". You have such a good attitude, love and support, and you have an online group to talk to. You'll be o.k. Just put one foot in front of the other and don't give in to heartache and dispair.

Good luck!

RNSuzq1, RN · Jul 7, 2006

Hi Buddhanah and Cheryl,

First, my thoughts go out to both of you. I'm guessing, there isn't one of us who didn't contemplate how we'd feel or what would happen if we didn't pass the exam. Everything each of you said - is exactly how I would have reacted. I too would have been afraid to tell anyone, but like another poster said - if they're your friends, they'll gather around you for support. Just remember - you just did something amazing, something some people only dream about - you Graduated from Nursing School, you can and will "Pass" the NCLEX exam. You can take it again in 45 days - gives you time to refocus, get your confidence back.

From what I heard, one of the biggest reasons people don't pass is "nerves" - freezing up during the exam or 2nd guessing themselves. My Sister In-Law has been a Nurse for years and told me to read each question as if I were the "Nurse" faced with whatever problem the question is giving me. And - read each question twice - you might be nervous and miss a "key" word the first time.

I did tons of practice questions, but waited until the day before the exam to read this tiny "Prepare for the NLEX brochure" that our school handed out and so glad I read it. Most of it was how to fill out paperwork, etc. but there was one paragraph that I think saved me during the exam since I got tons of priority type questions.

It said -if you get a "what would you do first question" - to think about it this way - don't assume you have enough time to do all 4 things to the patient -

if you can only do one of these things to your patient before you're called away to an emergency - what one thing would be the most helpful. It might be as simple as taking vital signs to get an overall assessment if the patient hasn't been stable or might be airway (just depends on what the question is asking you). I was really stumped on some questions (thinking - I'd really want to do all these things), but I remembered that little suggestion about getting called away and it really helped me find the answer.

Also, if you're a Praying person - this is what I think helped me out the most. I said a Prayer before the exam, not be shown the right answers, but to be given the "Peace" I needed to remain calm. I sincerely wish you both All The Best - please let us know how it goes. God Bless, Susan

cubrn123 · Jul 9, 2006

To Buddhanah & Cheryld1959,

Thanks, Buddhanah and Cheryld1959, for sharing your stories. I found out this afternoon that I failed the NCLEX. I am definitely NOT looking forward to "re-starting" to study.

I am concerned about my job (was supposed within the next few days) and telling my friends. It really stinks but I am glad to know that I am not alone.

I was wondering if either or both of you (or any reader in this situation) would want to share info amongst one another off of this website (or at another part of this website)? I was thinking we could be study buddies and check in with one another at specified dates to see that we're studying and to let each other know how things are going. Maybe even be some sort of supprt network? I don't know if anyone would be interested in anything like this but I thought I would toss it out there. I am new here so I am open to hearing any suggestions.

Thanks to everyone's suggestions, too.

diggety77

kimberly.klein · Jul 19, 2006

i began crying more after reading this forum... I too, just took and failed my NCLEX and feel more humiliation and frustration, and anger and sadness than ever thought I could. I am lucky to have the support of friends and family, but at the same time, hearing "it'll be okay" and "you'll get it next time" isn't helping much right now. On top of that, I have to go back to work soon and face all my co-workers who were sure that I'd pass w/ 75 questions...

Thank you for sharing your experience... it feels a twinge better to know I am not the only one in this boat (besides, I don't swim well)... I am not sure where to go from here... do I take a review course? Kaplan? I have to wait 45 days and am concerned about time, money, stress, and of course, a huge drop in confidence. I tend to rely on prayer but right now I'm just so angry and have lost so much faith in myself.

I wish you the best of luck on your quest -- Dedication and determination and faith and prayers sent your way - and a huge thanks to you for the willingness to share your story!

cubrn123 · Jul 19, 2006

Hi Kimberly,

Sorry to hear your news. It stinks. I found out on 7/8 that I failed and I am definitely feeling better now. I haven't done much studying since, but I wanted to let you know that I am in your same situation. Let me know if I can help, I was thinking that maybe I could organize an online study group or maybe just some kind of group so that we could check in with one another via email or messenger and share information, etc.

I would bet you have a lot on your mind right now. Take care, hang in there, and I'd love to be in touch if you feel comfortable.

diggety77